"If only my physicians knew the signs of Lyme and co infections, I would not have suffered decades without a proper diagnosis."

There are over a dozen tick-borne diseases in Virginia.  Check out our Tick-borne Diseases in Virginia page or the Virginia Public Health Department's flyer on Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Virginia and educate yourself about the most common types of tick-borne diseases in Virginia.  

Not in Virginia? There are ticks and tick-borne diseases reported in all 50 states in the United States and most countries around the world. Review your country and region's most reputable public health sources and be informed.  When tick-borne diseases are not diagnosed early, they can lead to unnecessary pain and suffering for patients and families, as well as unnecessary doctor visits, medical tests, and healthcare costs.  

“Know everything about all TBDs and co-infections to help your patients”

“Consider continuing education in this field of study. The field is lacking many knowledgeable providers” 

""Become familiar with the newest ICD codes" 

• ICD Codes for Alpha-gal Syndrome

• ICD Codes for Lyme Disease

Healthcare providers  need to educate themselves on diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The Global Lyme Alliance offers free continuing medical education and accredited continuing education on-demand webcasts on diagnosing and treating Lyme disease and other tick-borne disease. 

"I was never once asked if I was bitten by a tick"  

"During the first visit, ask your patients about outdoor work, hobbies, recreation, travel, and if they could have come in contact with a tick.    

"Ask the patient if they may have been bitten-especially during active tick season"

"Ask questions on ones background...and where they live and daily activities”  

"Ask about outdoor habits and hobbies" 

"Ticks can carry multiple diseases so it is common that people will have multiple infections." 

One in three participants from a patient experience survey reported having at least one tick-borne co-infection.  If a patient tests positive for one tick-borne disease,  consider additional testing or a clinical diagnosis for potential co-infections. In Virginia, Bartonella is a common co-infection in patients with Lyme disease.  

Tick-borne disease tests have an approximately 50% false negative rate.  In Virginia, under Title 32.1-137.06, health care providers are required to provide patients with a notice together with Lyme disease test results that states:  PATIENTS UNDERGOING A LYME DISEASE TEST SHOULD BE AWARE THAT LYME DISEASE TESTS VARY AND MAY PRODUCE RESULTS THAT ARE INACCURATE. THIS MEANS A PATIENT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RELY ON A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE RESULT. HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DISCUSS LYME DISEASE TEST RESULTS WITH THE PATIENT FOR WHOM THE TEST WAS ORDERED. 

"Remember not everyone will have the bulls-eye rash" 

"Listen to every symptom even if it doesn't seem to fit the profile"

If patients test negative, but have symptoms, consider a clinical diagnosis. Tick-borne disease tests are not reliable. In Virginia, under Title 32.1-137.06, health care providers are required to provide patients with a notice together with Lyme disease test results that states:  PATIENTS UNDERGOING A LYME DISEASE TEST SHOULD BE AWARE THAT LYME DISEASE TESTS VARY AND MAY PRODUCE RESULTS THAT ARE INACCURATE. THIS MEANS A PATIENT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RELY ON A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE RESULT. HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DISCUSS LYME DISEASE TEST RESULTS WITH THE PATIENT FOR WHOM THE TEST WAS ORDERED. 

Never tell your patient it is all in their head. They are often experiencing a variety of symptoms  that are difficult to describe.  Many symptoms also mimic other common diseases and conditions so they can be easily misdiagnosed. Remember to ask your patients about possible tick exposure and consider tick-borne diseases in your initial consultation and diagnosis. 

"Believe what patients tell you, no matter how unbelievable it sounds"

"Reactions take different paths with different people“ 

"No two people are alike and everyone reacts differently”

"Design therapy programs based on the individual"

“It took forever to find a doctor that would listen” 

"Listen to what the patient is asking and telling you"

"Let them know you are listening to them"

"Approach the relationship as a collaboration with kindness"

"Always listen with empathy"

"Be willing to investigate and treat until all symptoms are resolved"

"Try new things when what you are doing doesn't work"

"Consider a combination of traditional treatments, alternative therapies and nutritional changes. "

"Reactions take different paths with different people“ 

"No two people are alike and everyone reacts differently”

"Design therapy programs based on the individual"

"Help them by treating the whole body and helping with nutrition"

"Help patients navigate dietary changes"

Take a holistic approach to treating patients with tick-borne diseases.  

• "Be supportive of patient's well-being"

• "It has affected every part of my life"

• "The emotional/mental toll has been massive" 

• "TBD is very isolating"

"Provide valuable resources"

"Refer patient to a specialist in the specific TBD"

"This isn't over once you are diagnosed. Continue to follow up and remember in the future they had a tick-borne disease"

"Continue to check in on us throughout our treatment"

"Stay up to date on research" 

More information and resources will be posted soon.